A Luxurious Break – Puducherry and Mahabalipuram

Puducherry is a city of contradictions. From the firmly traditional saris and dhotis of the Aayyas (grandmas) and the Thathas (grandpas), the popular and modern café culture of the French, to the bohemian, and enigmatic lifestyle of the folks at Auroville … there is a little bit of something for everyone. Everyone who comes to Puducherry finds a place, everyone fits in—possibly why Puducherry still has such a magnetic hold over people’s imagination. 

In Puducherry, we will visit the historical French Quarter, where quaint French houses can still be found on gorgeous tree-lined avenues, and the streets still have French names.

A couple of hours away, we will go on a on a magical journey through the Pitchvaram Mangrove Forest. Known to be the world’s second largest mangrove, after the Sunderbans, the Pitchvaram Mangrove Forest spreads over 1,100 hectares before joining the Bay of Bengal.

The Nataraj Temple in Chidambaram, one of the five holiest places to worship Lord Shiva and known to be one of the oldest active Chola temples is our next stop.

 Any trip to Puducherry would be incomplete without a trip to the hallowed grounds of Auroville!! Having caused waves when it was first founded in the 60s for its principles of peace and humanity, Auroville still beguiles people and crowds of tourists throng to it every year. 

After living the bohemian life, we end our holiday with a visit to Mahabalipuram to see the ancient shore temple, the panch rathas, and other rock carvings. Make sure to keep some extra room in your bags for a little shopping at the local leather stores before heading back to Chennai.

 Our itinerary promises to be a fun, relaxed one where you chill out or move at a slightly more frenetic pace and ‘do Puducherry’.

The choice is yours. 

We will stay at a charming 19th century colonial heritage guesthouse located in the French Quarter with oodles of character. It’s a small property and will have mainly our guests.

 Join WeGoBond as we go back to one of our favourite places.

• Stay in a luxurious Heritage Villa
• A complete mangrove experience
• 5-6 hours of personalized Auroville experience
• Visit Chidambaram temple
• Guided Heritage Walk at a leisurely pace to soak in the French Quarter in Puducherry
• Stop at Mahabalipuram on our way back.

COST

• Twin sharing basis – Rs 30,900 (inclusive of 5% GST)
• Early bird discount – Rs 1500 less, offer is valid till 15th September 2021
• Single room basis – Rs 35,750 (inclusive of 5% GST)
• Early bird discount – Rs 1500 less, offer is valid till 15th September 2021

NOTES

• We need minimum 7 confirmations to do this tour.
• Please check train / flight timings with us before booking.

PAYMENT PLAN

• Please pay INR 5,000 as booking deposit to reserve your spot
• Balance payment due 25^th September 2021.

CANCELLATION POLICY

• Up to 45 days before departure – the complete amount is refundable
• Between 45 days and 30 days – booking deposit is non-refundable
• Between 30 days and 15 days – 75% refund
• Between 15 days and 10 days – 25% refund
• No refund thereafter for any cancellation or no-show

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation on a twin-sharing basis
• Transportation as mentioned in the itinerary with (pick-up from and drop off at Chennai airport. If landing elsewhere we will arrange for pick up and drop at an additional cost)
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
• Entrance to all sites mentioned in the itinerary
• Guide for the Heritage Walk
• Guide for Chidambaram Temple
• Guide for Pitchvaram Mangrove Forest
• Services of a trip lead from WeGoBond throughout the trip

EXCLUSIONS

• Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
  (There are many places to eat in the French Quarter, so you have the flexibility to try what you like, but we can certainly suggest some places)
• Train / air fare
• Any beverages, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, including bottled water at meals / Snacks
• Telephone calls
• Tips for guides and driver or portages
• Travel insurance
• Any meal not mentioned above
• Any personal expenses, such as laundry, phone calls, portage, etc.
• Any other item / services not mentioned in Inclusions above
• Any cost arising out of unforeseen circumstances like ill‐health, land blocks, bad weather, etc.